Presentation
MDD9 - Empathy in Design: The Importance of Accessibility in Inclusive Health
DescriptionThe COVID-19 pandemic forced the world to develop, produce and distribute at-home COVID-19 test kits (CTK) within a short time. Initially, speed-to-the-shelf was prioritized over the accessibility needs of those with low vision (V), low dexterity (D), and age-related cognitive challenges (C); those in the accessibility VDC groups are known to have a more stressful user experience due to non-inclusive design.
After CTKs were made accessible for public use, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) investigated how the CTK could be enhanced to improve usability for the VDC groups. Over 24 participants of the VD or C groups were presented accessibility enhanced CTK concepts that were developed into working models based on the input of accessibility subject matter expert(s). This presentation lays out accessibility enhanced concepts that users liked and disliked and shares why certain concepts succeeded over others.
The accessibility enhanced concepts the participants evaluated included: outer packing graphics, tamper evident seals, foil tube and pouch opening and content retrieval strategies, embossed quick reference codes, and foil liner peel off concepts. All concepts presented to the participants were meant to enhance inclusiveness for one or more of the VD or L groups. As described in the HE75 (2009) inclusive design benefits all. Easy to use touch points, use of high-contrast signifiers to convey affordances and appropriate placement of information are examples of design enhancements meant to improve usability for not just the VDC users, but all users. Becoming sick with COVID-19 can be scary and stressful, by itself. Having to choose, purchase and conduct a medical test on yourself while sick with COVID-19 is an even higher burden; the addition of a V, D and/or C impairment to the patient’s experience can quickly become overwhelming.
To lessen the fear barrier of using a CTK for the first time designing CTK packaging, internal content and administration methods with accessibility in mind, such as easy-to-read labels, simple opening mechanisms, and clear instructions, can enhance CTK use for all patients, including those with impairments.
Applying good human factor design practices— including strong consideration for accessibility needs throughout every phase in the product development journey, will go a long way when making the medical device less frustrating to use. Thus, decreasing the stress involved with use of that medical device. Furthermore, this research provides valuable insights regarding the development of medical devices, not limited to COVID-19 tests, such as (1) ensuring that products are accessible and usable by all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, and (2) improving the usability of medical devices for older populations.
In summary, the research on enhancing the usability of COVID-19 test kits for individuals with impairment serves as a foundational model for developing future medical technologies that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. By integrating these principles into the design and development of various healthcare applications, the healthcare industry can significantly improve the experiences of patients with diverse abilities; creating devices that are accessible to people with varying needs can help enhance healthcare experiences for users while improving their independence and overall quality of life.
After CTKs were made accessible for public use, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) investigated how the CTK could be enhanced to improve usability for the VDC groups. Over 24 participants of the VD or C groups were presented accessibility enhanced CTK concepts that were developed into working models based on the input of accessibility subject matter expert(s). This presentation lays out accessibility enhanced concepts that users liked and disliked and shares why certain concepts succeeded over others.
The accessibility enhanced concepts the participants evaluated included: outer packing graphics, tamper evident seals, foil tube and pouch opening and content retrieval strategies, embossed quick reference codes, and foil liner peel off concepts. All concepts presented to the participants were meant to enhance inclusiveness for one or more of the VD or L groups. As described in the HE75 (2009) inclusive design benefits all. Easy to use touch points, use of high-contrast signifiers to convey affordances and appropriate placement of information are examples of design enhancements meant to improve usability for not just the VDC users, but all users. Becoming sick with COVID-19 can be scary and stressful, by itself. Having to choose, purchase and conduct a medical test on yourself while sick with COVID-19 is an even higher burden; the addition of a V, D and/or C impairment to the patient’s experience can quickly become overwhelming.
To lessen the fear barrier of using a CTK for the first time designing CTK packaging, internal content and administration methods with accessibility in mind, such as easy-to-read labels, simple opening mechanisms, and clear instructions, can enhance CTK use for all patients, including those with impairments.
Applying good human factor design practices— including strong consideration for accessibility needs throughout every phase in the product development journey, will go a long way when making the medical device less frustrating to use. Thus, decreasing the stress involved with use of that medical device. Furthermore, this research provides valuable insights regarding the development of medical devices, not limited to COVID-19 tests, such as (1) ensuring that products are accessible and usable by all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, and (2) improving the usability of medical devices for older populations.
In summary, the research on enhancing the usability of COVID-19 test kits for individuals with impairment serves as a foundational model for developing future medical technologies that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. By integrating these principles into the design and development of various healthcare applications, the healthcare industry can significantly improve the experiences of patients with diverse abilities; creating devices that are accessible to people with varying needs can help enhance healthcare experiences for users while improving their independence and overall quality of life.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeMonday, March 254:45pm - 6:15pm CDT
LocationSalon C
Digital Health
Simulation and Education
Hospital Environments
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices
Patient Safety Research and Initiatives